Port Companies Research Articles

The future governance structure of Libya's container ports: A survey of stakeholder attitudes

The landlord and regulatory functions at Libya's container ports are currently administered and controlled by a national port authority, while the Socialist Ports Company is responsible for operational functions. This paper comprehensively describes the new direction of government policy and strategy, as well as the dynamic changes in the sector's operational environment. The main aim of the paper is to determine the perspectives of key stakeholders on the possible future governance structure for Libya's container ports. This is achieved through the implementation of an attitudinal survey. A statistical analysis of responses reveals a consensus that the technical performance of Libya's ports needs improvement if the sector is to remain competitive within the Eastern Mediterranean. By ranking stakeholder priorities and preferences, more than one scenario for future port governance emerges. The results also suggest that a change to the governance structure of the sector, almost irrespective of its form, is perceived as a top priority for enhancing operational and business performance and that this is widely expected to have a positive impact on stakeholder interests. The paper concludes that the analysis provides new and clear empirical evidence in support of the perceived positive impact of a port devolution policy in Libya.

Fuel Consumption within Cargo Operations at the Port Industry A simulation Analysis on the Case of S Port Company in the UK

The principal objective of this study is to analyze the consumption of fuel in the port industry, in order to identify some possible solutions or improvements that might reduce costs. The increment of the total operation costs, and especially fuel, has affected company profits; thus, this study focused on improving the utilization of internal vehicles, reducing transportation time, and changing people skills, in order to achieve maximum savings.To fill this gap, we attempt to establish efficient simulation models using the Witness software in order to identify the optimal scenarios for the optimization of port operations and the maximal reduction of travelled distances. This research is largely concerned with four improvements: (1) the empty container park process, (2) the new operation pads, (3) driving skills, and (4) the heavy lift zone's position.

항만기업 종사자들의 정보보안인식과 지각된 정보보안위험에 영향을 미치는 요인

The purpose of the present study is to empirically examine factors that affect the information security awareness and perceived information security risk of employees of port companies. In particular, in order to identify factors that affect the perceived information security risks, we investigated the relation of assets, threats, and vulnerabilities to it, using the risk analysis methodology. With A total of 252 valid questionnaires, we also performed the structural equation modeling analysis using AMOS. It was found that first, there was no meaningful relationship between the information assets and the perceived information security risk in the case of employees of port companies. Second, threats and vulnerabilities turned out to have positive influences on the perceived information security risk. Finally, there was a positive relationship not only between the information security awareness and the information security education, but also between the information security awareness and the intention of information security. However, there was no meaningful relationship between the information security concern and the information security awareness.

Maintaining a Marine Leisure Industry in a Recession

O'DONNELL, V and O'MAHONY, C., 2011. Maintaining a Marine Leisure Industry in a Recession. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 133–139. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.In 2008, a Marine Leisure Infrastructure Strategy for 719km of the West Cork coast in the south-west of Ireland was published (CMRC, 2008). At that time the new-found wealth of the Irish population put a demand on marine leisure infrastructure. The 2008 Strategy was commissioned to address the lack of leisure facilities by improving infrastructure in old fishing harbours and by developing slipways and associated facilities in popular holiday destinations in West Cork to augment the established services. In 2010, a Marine Leisure Infrastructure Strategy for the remaining coast of Cork (Figure 1 – 500km) was published (CMRC, 2010). This latest Strategy was developed in an economic climate which is radically different to that of 2008, when there was a proliferation of ‘cash-rich time-poor’ city dwellers and foreign tourists willing to spend money along the Irish Coast, and when there was funding available for capital projects through Government agencies, public private partnerships and private developers. Ireland is now one of the most indebted countries in the western world. Unemployment has risen from 4.3% in January 2005 to 12.7% in January 2010 (CSO, 2010) and for those still working, salaries have dropped in some cases by 15–20% leaving little in the way of disposable income to spend on leisure activities. With the aid of community funding schemes and stakeholder input from local and national organisations such as Cork County Council, Town Councils, Port Companies, Fállte Ireland (national tourism agency) and development partnerships/enterprise boards, the 2010 Strategy has put forward achievable milestones which will enable the coastal tourism industry to survive in one of the most difficult economic times. This ‘bottom-up’ approach can easily be replicated in other coastal areas where tourism is needed to supplement local economies but where necessary levels of investment are lacking.

Research on X-efficiency Measure of Chinese Ports

Abstract Considering the current situation of Chinese ports and from the port company's point of view, this brief figured out the main factors influencing Chinese port X-efficiency and established the X-efficiency measure model with help of stochastic frontier method, which filled the theoretical gap of port X-efficiency research. On that basis, this brief studied the data of 13 typical port-listed-companies such as Shenchiwan A that stood for the five biggest port clusters in China. The result proved some main factors influencing Chinese port X-efficiency such as the internal incentive system of port-listed companies. Finally, suggestions for improving the Chinese ports X-efficiency were proposed, such as reforming the staff incentive system and company ownership system.

Private Equity Investment Strategy in India's Port Sector

This article focuses on the investment strategy for the Private Equity (PE) investors in Indian port sector. The emerging port sector in developing countries like India is attracting several PE players because of the nature of the asset which can provide them a stable return over the long run. Due to the viability funding gap in this sector, extensive PE funding is expected in the near future. The PE players will fulfill the funding gap and bring transparency, strong business network and corporate governance making port companies globally competitive. The article explains the steps to be followed by the PE investor before investing in a port company/project in the Indian context. Subsequently, the authors propose a new model for calculating the premium generally paid to the port developer/promoter for dilution of the equity. The model can be customized and applied in other sectors to determine and justify the premium to be paid by the PE investor. <b>TOPICS:</b>Private equity, emerging, other real assets, quantitative methods

Impacts of Security Improvements on Service Quality in Maritime Transport: An Empirical Study of Vietnam

In recent years, maritime security has become a major concern on the international maritime agenda. If security measures and initiatives are not carefully designed and effectively implemented, they can negatively impact the whole maritime transport chain. Security improvements resulting from maritime security requirements may also bring about some benefits to service quality and business performance for the organisation. However, there are limited studies conducted on these aspects. In this paper, we aim to address these gaps by devising a framework of projected impacts of security on service quality in maritime transport and conducting an empirical study to verify the projections. The study was conducted in Vietnam with a group of shipping, port and freight forwarding companies, using the triangulation of both mail survey and in-depth interview techniques. It was evident from this study that all projected relationships between security improvements and service quality are supported by both survey respondents and interviewees. Statistical analysis reveals that, among 13 projected relationships, respondents indicate clear consensus on seven projections, in which security improvements can enhance service quality in terms of increased reliability of service, social responsibility awareness, increased efficiency in operations and management, as well as enhanced image in the market. For the remaining projections, agreement was not clearly shown. This was also reflected in interviews, in which respondents emphasised that the most notable benefits brought about by security improvements are in terms of increased reliability of service performance, increased awareness and better image, thus positively affecting customers’ perception of the organisation's service quality. However, these positive impacts are only realised should service providers in maritime transport employ effective security management strategies.

민자유치에 의한 우리나라 항만개발에 관한 연구-M 항만의 사용료 분석을 중심으로-

The port developments in Korea have been achieved by government because port needs large scale of funds for development and is recognized as SOC to be supplied by government. But this kind of policy has met budgetary problem to cope with rapidly increasing demands of port facilities. Thus in recent years, Korean government has tried to induce commercial capital to the construction of port facilities and allow port company to operate the facilities commercially for given period enough to compensate the investment. At present, several private ports are under construction and some will be opened in the near future. But on this stage, it is expected some problems for the reasonable port operation. This paper tried to scan and to analyze the current situation and also to find proper solutions.

Container Shipping And Ports: An Overview

Globalisation, deregulation, logistics integration and containerisation have reshaped the port and shipping industry. Port and maritime companies are challenged to redefine their functional role in the value chain for the sake of creating customer value and of ensuring the survival and growth of the company. Companies are busily trying to disrupt the status quo rather than preserve it. Based on empirical evidence, this paper demonstrates that because of the rapidly changing environment the port and liner shipping markets are not stable any longer. Individual terminal operators and shipping lines tend to walk different paths on a quest for higher margins and increased customer satisfaction. And more than once they (have to) change paths.

Sustainable Development for Canada's Arctic and Subarctic Communities: A Backcasting Approach to Churchill, Manitoba

Backcasting has been used to evaluate sustainable development in several communities in Canada, Europe, and the United States, but no research has applied it to a remote northern community. This first such effort, which took place in Churchill, Manitoba, evaluated the environmental, social, and economic aspects of a small Subarctic community. As part of the backcasting approach, a community survey identified local issues and concerns, such as tundra vehicle damage, alcohol abuse, and the future economic viability of the Hudson Bay Port Company. Community residents also identified potential growth areas, including the establishment of Nunavut and increased tourism opportunities. The application of the backcasting approach in Canada's northern regions will have benefits for research and management by identifying local issues and building strategies for sustainable development.

The development of Irish Sea ferry services

Irish Sea ferry and container services have been the mainstay of most of the ports of north-west Britain over the past 30 years. These services constitute the main business for Holyhead, Fleetwood, Heysham, Cairnryan and Stranraer. Troon and Mostyn have been added to that list during 2001. More containers and trailers pass to Ireland through Liverpool than to any destination. Only the Manchester Ship Canal and Garston appear inactive in this market, although up to ten years ago both played a significant role. The Irish Sea freight market has been growing at an extraordinary rate over the last decade by an annual compound growth rate of 7–8%. In all of these circumstances, therefore, it is important to understand the dynamics which drive this trade if reliable forecasts are to be available to the port companies, the highway authorities and the Strategic Rail Authority of the demands for new infrastructure in the regional ports industry, and in the road and rail network that supports it.

The development of Irish Sea ferry services

Irish Sea ferry and container services have been the mainstay of most of the ports of north-west Britain over the past 30 years. These services constitute the main business for Holyhead, Fleetwood, Heysham, Cairnryan and Stranraer. Troon and Mostyn have been added to that list during 2001. More containers and trailers pass to Ireland through Liverpool than to any destination. Only the Manchester Ship Canal and Garston appear inactive in this market, although up to ten years ago both played a significant role. The Irish Sea freight market has been growing at an extraordinary rate over the last decade by an annual compound growth rate of 7–8%. In all of these circumstances, therefore, it is important to understand the dynamics which drive this trade if reliable forecasts are to be available to the port companies, the highway authorities and the Strategic Rail Authority of the demands for new infrastructure in the regional ports industry, and in the road and rail network that supports it.

Latin American Ports: Results and Determinants of Private Sector Participation

The Latin American major ports are no longer inefficient state-run public monopolies. Common user ports tend to be concessioned under a landlord scheme, whereas specialised ports and terminals are more often privately owned or leased. New infrastructure is still being constructed, and regional and international private port companies participate in the port operations. The most renowned successes are Panama, Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia, but not all countries have advanced equally. The demand for private sector participation depends on the desire of the public sector to promote foreign trade and the need to reduce its fiscal burden. The supply of private sector participation by port operating companies appears to depend on the port's hinterland and the perceived country risk. Perceived corruption, illiteracy, and a pending broader structural reform seem to have a negative impact on both demand and on supply. The same socio-economic situation that, up to now, has acted as an obstacle to port reform in the poorest Latin American countries should be considered as motivation to proceed with the necessary reforms in the future. Privatised port operations may help the urgently needed general structural reform of the economy, including better education and more stable public institutions – which in turn will reduce the remaining obstacles for port privatisation. The challenge for policy makers is to initiate this virtuous cycle.

Institutional design for the comanagement of an urban harbor in New Zealand

What factors affect the design of an institutional framework for stakeholder management to promote sustainable outcomes for ports in urban settings? In examining this research question, we characterize urban harbors as complex common property resource systems (CPRs). Complex CPRs differ from simple CPRs in several ways that highlight the need for, but also the difficulties of, integrated management that promotes sustainable outcomes. We review the literatures on locational conflicts, corporate social responsibility, and comanagement for insights that bear on this problem. We then examine the port on the Otago Harbour as a case study in shifting institutional arrangements in a complex CPR, focusing on long‐standing conflicts between the port company and the local community. Finally, we draw implications for the design of effective comanagement arrangements for ports located in dynamic and diverse communities.

Factors affecting the audit of revalued non‐current assets: Initial public offerings and source reliability

AbstractThis study examines the impact of a proposal to issue shares to the public and the competence of the independent valuer on auditor judgments concerning asset revaluations. A 2 times 2 between‐subjects design was used. Four classes of assets were revalued by a hypothetical port company and subjects were asked to assess the planned audit hours and the likelihood that they would accept the valuations as reasonable. Results indicated that auditors would plan to spend longer on the audit of revalued assets when the client proposed to make a share issue and also when the competence of the valuer was lower. They were also less likely to accept the valuations as reasonable in these cases. However, the results suggested that concern with some aspects of the valuation can override sensitivity to the competence of the valuer.